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Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Holiday Event Guide for the Philadelphia Area 2017

Our comprehensive listing of holiday events lets you and your family fully embrace all of the holiday spirit available in Chester County and the surrounding areas. Please click on each link for the full detail on the cost and specifics of each event.

Happy Holidays from Fun Things.

On-Going Holiday Events

The beauty and inspiration of these traditions continue today at Winterthur with our treasured Yuletide tour. Glimpse into Yuletides past and be inspired to create your own spectacular celebrations. From sparkling trees to stunningly decorated rooms, there’s something for everyone. Join us to tour Henry Francis du Pont’s home decorated in holiday style!

This year Hagley returns to its historical roots during the holiday season. Our exhibits, events, and programs will feature early du Pont family holiday celebrations and traditions based on New Years and Twelfth Night. We hope you enjoy the new interpretation as much as we enjoyed creating it!

The museum celebrates the season with fabulous holiday displays including an extensive O-gauge model railroad, an elaborate Victorian dollhouse, and thousands of whimsical "critter" ornaments on holiday trees.

Choo Choo Barn is celebrating the season with an enhanced holiday display from November 24th through January 15th. Look for 51 hidden Santas and watch as Santa’s sleigh flies above the gigantic model train display. Enjoy the holiday decorations throughout the display including holiday lights and the snow-covered landscape. Plus, take a close look at the zoo animals in Traintown to see how they’re getting into the holiday spirit! Choo Choo Barn is open daily from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Closed Christmas Day).

Visitors of all ages will be wowed by a quarter mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with fifteen different rail lines and two cable cars, nine bridges (including a trestle bridge you can walk under), and bustling model trains, all set in the lovely winter garden of the Morris Arboretum. The display and buildings are all made of natural materials – bark, leaves, twigs, hollow logs, mosses, acorns, dried flowers, seeds, and stones – to form a perfectly proportioned miniature landscape complete with small streams. Each building, while an exact replica of the original, is unique in its design. Philadelphia-area landmarks such as a masterpiece replica of Independence Hall are made using pine cone seeds for shingles, acorns as finials and twigs as downspouts.

​The Narberth Dickens Festival is a free family event held each December on the streets of downtown Narberth. It draws thousands to this little borough every year, and it has become the fastest-growing holiday festival in the Philadelphia area. In this Dickens-themed event, the town of Narberth is transformed into 1840's London, as Ebenezer Scrooge and all the characters from A Christmas Carol roam the streets for an afternoon.

This heartwarming attraction includes a delightful ride on one of our sound equipped hay wagons, through the rolling hills of Arasapha Farm, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland filled with huge light displays, decorated trees, and buildings, bridges, and brooks. Come face to face with real, live Reindeer and see a beautifully animated Santa’s workshop. The hayride lasts about 20 minutes and is choreographed with all the favorite songs of the season. After the hayride, relax by our bonfires or warm up with a cup of cocoa. This all-new holiday hayride is perfect for all ages. Have your picture taken with Santa, and get an up-close look at our famous live nativity scene that features real animals and actors. Choose from hundreds of beautiful, fresh cut Christmas Trees.

Media's 4th Annual Santa's State Street Fun Run and Walk will begin the festivities at 3pm!

The run will be followed by The 4th Annual Santa's Parade. Dozens of magical floats and musical entertainment will get us all into the true Christmas spirit. And you know who will be our special guests, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, of course!

This annual West Chester tradition, hosted by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, will kick off Friday, December 1st at 7:15 pm! The parade promises to provide a seasonal mix of traditional elements with a modern twist—local schools, businesses, volunteer fire companies, and other service organizations will join the many marching bands, floats, and antique vehicles that have cemented themselves as mainstays in the Old-Fashioned Christmas experience.

The Christmas Committee is working hard to bring you the best Christmas celebration ever. Come join us on Saturday, December 9th when Lancaster Avenue comes alive with the sights and sounds of Christmas! The Christmas Parade will begin at 3:00 pm traveling from west to east along Lancaster Avenue.

Celebrate the holidays by enjoying a pancake breakfast with Santa. Share your holiday wishes with Santa and bring your camera to take photos. Make decorations and enjoy a few up-close animal encounters, all before the zoo opens. Plus, watch a few animals get their breakfast! Space is very limited for this event, so please register early.

Philadelphia Zoo guests are invited to celebrate the magic of the holiday season and enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with Santa Claus as he travels the globe to visit America’s first zoo. Tell Santa all your holiday wishes and be sure to bring your camera to capture the memories at this exclusive festive celebration. Professional photographer services will also be available for purchase at the event.

The classically trained dancers of Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet Society offer a professional-level production of The Nutcracker that is popularly priced for all family members to enjoy. The ninety-minute performance is ideal for young audience members ages 4 to 94! Take a journey with Marie to the kingdom of snow and to the land of the sweets to meet fascinating citizens from throughout the world! From a family holiday party to an exciting battle with toy soldiers and mice, to dancing snowflakes, and even a Sugar Plum Fairy, this affordable, yet finely produced production of The Nutcracker, featuring the beautiful music by Tchaikovsky, will be the ideal way to kick-off the holiday season! Performances take place the weekend prior to Thanksgiving.

The Philadelphia Dance Academy’s Nutcracker is an expertly choreographed and beautifully executed masterpiece that is as family friendly as it is unique. This “Children’s Nutcracker” showcases the breadth of talent being cultivated within the studios of the academy, with soloist and semi-soloist roles being played by pre-teen and teen ballerina’s in training.

Join Clara, The Sugar Plum Fairy and many other characters of The Nutcracker for a special pre-performance tea party full of delights! Enjoy tea sandwiches, fruit tray, cookies, favors and don't forget to bring your camera! The Tea is held at The Philips Memorial Library. Simply walk downstairs to the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall for the performance of The Nutcracker!

Be enchanted by the Philadelphia region's most beloved holiday tradition, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™. For 47 years, families have created yuletide memories with Pennsylvania Ballet's production of this classic tale. The simple story of a girl, a gift, and a fanciful dream is made magical by opulent sets and costumes by Peter Horne and Judanna Lynn and the impassioned artistry of Pennsylvania Ballet dancers. The renowned Philadelphia Boys Choir raises their voices with the magnificent Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra to bring Tschaikovsky's unforgettable score to life.

Join the star of Philadelphia's most anticipated holiday tradition for a magical afternoon of tea and tutus. Enjoy a delectable buffet and photo opportunity with the Sugarplum Fairy and experience a captivating matinee performance of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™!

Description:'Tis the season for magic, family, and fun as the beauty and joy of the Nutcracker Ballet comes alive once again at the beautiful 300-seat Fred P. Meagher Theatre at Neumann University in Aston, PA. International Ballet Classique presents two full length performances on December 9th and 10th, 2017 at 2pm.

This year marks our 24th annual presentation of the classic Dickens tale about the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from miser to man who honors Christmas in his heart, as adapted by internationally known playwright Nagle Jackson. Come find out why this has become a Delaware Valley holiday tradition.

The rollicking, merry, and heartfelt musical is all about a boy who is unique because everything he touches turns to ice. Jack Frost appears out of a snow bank and meets four humorous animals: a rabbit, a polar bear, a penguin, and a raccoon. He then escapes from the North Pole and finds himself in a ‘mistaken identity’ situation. Featuring Austy Hicks as Jack Frost and Roger Ricker as Mr. Holly.

Ever since J.M. Barrie's story first appeared in 1904, countless versions have been produced on stage and in the film. Now, Arden Children's Theatre presents a brand-new production that celebrates the joy of storytelling and the power of imagination. Join Peter on his adventure to Neverland, a magical island where there are no parents, no chores, and fairies and pirates rule! Introduce your children and grandchildren to the characters you loved from J.M. Barrie's timeless masterpiece: Wendy Darling, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, a horde of mischievous Lost Boys, Nana the dog, and – last but not least – a very hungry, ticking crocodile.

Celebrate what’s possible as the adventures of five daring Disney heroines spark the courage inside us all at Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream! In her Disney On Ice debut, see how far Moana will go when she embarks on an action-packed voyage with mighty demigod Maui in a quest to save her island, become a wayfinder, and find her own identity. Anna’s devotion to her estranged sister Elsa sets her on a perilous journey to mend their bond, and stop an eternal winter. Rapunzel breaks out of her tower and teams up with an unlikely companion, Flynn Rider, as she goes to great lengths to realize her dream. Armed only with courage, Belle befriends the enchanted castle staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s rough exterior. With help from her friends and a little magic, Cinderella is determined to make the wish in her heart come true. Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, discover why no dream is too big when we find the strength to shape our own destiny at Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream!

This very unique train recreates the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve. A reader dressed in a Victorian nightshirt and cap will read Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem, The Night Before Christmas, as passengers enjoy cookies and milk as the train rolls along. After the train ride, children are also treated to storybook readings of holiday classics aboard our Caboose (stationary) and visitors of all ages can enjoy a ride aboard the Tinsel Trolley, a self-propelled motor car.

All aboard Santa's Express! Join Santa for a 90-minute journey on our heated decorated train through the Chester Creek Valley. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be greeting everyone at Market Street Station and then going along for the ride to Glen Mills. Once at Glen Mills passengers can disembark and explore the historic station. There are plenty of photo opportunities on Santa's lap inside the station. Remember your cameras! Upon return to West Chester, all passengers receive treats from Santa!

December 1,2,3,8,9,10,15,16,17Friday 6 & 8 pm, Saturday 2,4,6,& 8 pm, Sunday 2,4,6 pmInspired by the run-away hit movie produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. and the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on The Polar Express.

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, families are sure to enjoy their trip complete with hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. Passengers will then be entertained by a reading of the Polar Express. Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own sleigh bell, just like in the movie, to those who BELIEVE.

Experience the joy of singing songs with our roaming hobos, be amazed at our Juggling Chef and make your wishes in person to Santa himself!

12:30 & 2:30 p.m.Why stand in line at the mall and wait to see Santa, when you can ride our train and have Santa come to you? The Jolly Old Elf himself rides the train and greets everyone on board, and gives all children a chocolate treat. Be sure to bring your camera and have Santa pose for pictures with your child during this 1½-hour round-trip to Ashland.

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is proud to continue to present a wintertime tradition in Philadelphia, as the Blue Cross River Rink will re-open for the 24th season on November 24th.The Blue Cross River Rink at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia’s only outdoor public ice rink, is located on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street.

Half a million outdoor lights and holiday magic await you during Longwood's incomparable Christmas display. Enjoy dazzling trees and seasonal concerts. The Music Room hosts a special, themed holiday display. Kids of all ages will delight in a miniature Garden Railway decked out for the holidays. Thousands of poinsettias accented with amaryllis, artemisia, begonias, cyclamen, hybrid lilies, kalanchoes, paperwhites, red-berried plants and many other flowers flourish inside acres of heated glass conservatories. Living wreaths, swags, and live floral trees adorn rooms throughout the Conservatory. Included in Gardens admission.

THE 2017 CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW runs hourly from the day after Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve day check website for times. The DICKENS VILLAGE (Floor 3) is open continuously during the same period from 10am to 7pm.

Experience the magic of the holidays and celebrate traditions new and old at the Franklin Square Holiday Festival. From November 9 - December 31st, dazzle in the lights of the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show; warm up with comfort food, local beers, and hot beverages at Ben's Bites & Brews; and shop for handmade, artisanal gifts at the Holiday Market.

Independence Seaport Museum annual Parade of Lights returns to the Delaware River on December 9th. The lighted boat parade features our working port, with tugboats and other vessels decorate within lights. Before the parade, spend the day inside the Museum for holiday activities and entertainment. Museum visitors will get the best view of the parade from the 2nd floor balcony overlooking the Delaware River.

Experience the magic of more than 3 million lights illuminating acres of farmland at the Shady Brook Farm 2017 Holiday Light Show!Encounter whimsical holiday displays and familiar characters.Drive through in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show on an open-air wagon ride (weather permitting).Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and cook up some s’mores at a toasty bonfire (cocoa, marshmallows, and more treats available for purchase in the Farm Market).

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place! For a one-of-a-kind family-friendly celebration with everyone's favorite furry friends. The fun starts with 3 special Christmas shows, awesome music and twinkling lights all around. Plus, you'll find more than 300 Christmas trees, including a huge celebratory tree decorated Sesame Street-style. The street will glow with festivities and come to life at night with our illuminated Street Party Parade. And the fun continues with a special Christmas menu, super holiday shopping and, of course, a visit with Santa.

The magic of the holidays comes to life at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. With two million twinkling lights, rides for all ages, festive decorations, and Hershey's Product Characters decked out in their holiday best, there is something for all to enjoy!